DRC: pollution of the Kasai and Tshikapa rivers: a humanitarian mission soon on the ground
The drama occurred on the Kasai River, a tributary of the Congo River (illustrative image).
DR
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
It is since the end of July that the Tshikapa, Kasaï, Fimi and Kwilu rivers have been affected by significant pollution.
Fish and aquatic animals were found dead.
According to the Congolese authorities, this pollution is due to the activity of a diamond mine in the Angolan province of Lunda Norte from where the Tshikapa originates.
According to the government, 13 of the 18 health zones in Kasai province are impacted and more than 950,000 people are thus exposed.
Advertising
Read more
With our correspondent in Kinshasa,
Patient Ligodi
The deputies of Kasaï and Kwilu are angry.
More than two weeks after
the first alerts concerning significant pollution
in their province, no concrete action has been taken.
The government has still not sent a field mission to establish the level of pollution and to provide assistance to neighboring populations who are prohibited from fishing and consuming river water.
The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Eve Bazaiba, is due to speak next Tuesday, August 24, before the National Assembly.
Contacted by RFI, she said that a humanitarian mission will be deployed in the field from next week.
It will provide medicines, food and other relief kits for the populations affected by this pollution.
On the diplomatic front, a note verbale was sent to the Angolan authorities.
The Deputy Prime Minister and her colleague from Foreign Affairs are also expected in Angola next week, in order to precisely determine the source of the pollution and establish responsibilities.
Newsletter
Receive all international news directly in your mailbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
google-play-badge_FR
DRC
Environment